I have 200 euros that I can spend on a sewing machine?

Question

I'm not a beginner anymore and I do a lot of complex designs. I used to work at my mom's viking, but it's time to get my own.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Not surprisingly, sewing machines have undergone the same kinds of exponential development we've been seeing in computers, and all kinds of tools.  

I've been sewing for half a century (custom designs, "bound" buttonholes, the whole business), and have used treadle-powered machines, as well as computerized ones with a bigger memory than mine(!)

Recently, I picked up a Singer "Prelude" machine, less than Can.$100 at WalMart. It does as much as most of the machines I've used, and more than many. It weighs no more than my purse.

If the day should come that I want to use a machine to stitch an elaborate multi-coloured image, I'll have it done by someone who has the specialized machine.  In the meantime, I've used the thousands I might have spent on a more elaborate machine to get and maintain the vehicle our treacherous wintertime mountain roads need.

Answer 2

I don't know European machine prices, but 200 Euros in US dollars won't buy you much of a new machine here in the US.  I'd *strongly* encourage you to buy a good used machine at that price level-- you'll get far better value that way.  

Here's my standard sewing machine rant for beginners -- since you're experienced, you know a little more about what stitches you find most useful, particularly in the decorative arena, and simplicity of operation is probably not the most important choice for you.  Otherwise, though, I think it applies fairly well.  I have a strong preference for electronic machines over mechanicals if the local electrical system is stable -- there are just too many fine-tuning advantages to stepper motors compared to straight mechanical machines.  On the other hand, if you need a machine to last the rest of your lifetime, a mechanical from a good maker would be a better choice.  Me, I only bought a sewing machine, I didn't marry it.  If I need a different one at some time in the future, I'll buy another one.  The Sewing Police aren't going to get me for having some extra machines around. <g>

http://www.cet.com/~pennys/faq/smfaq.htm

What I want for beginners in sewing:

- a machine that doesn't scare you

- a machine that isn't balky (cheap new machines are often very

  balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable --

  just too frustrating to learn on!)

- very good straight stitch

- good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

- a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

- adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric

  handling issues)

- accessory presser feet that don't cost an arm and a leg

  (machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle

  generic presser feet pretty well.  Some brands of machines use

  proprietary or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

- blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

- triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

- a couple of decorative stitches (you won't use them nearly as

  much as you think)

- electronic machine because of the needle position control and

  because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at

  slow sewing speeds -- mechanical machines often will stall at

  slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them

to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used

machines you can afford. You'll get a far better machine buying

used than new, and a good dealer is worth their weight in sewing

machine needles when you get a machine problem -- often they can

talk you through the problem over the phone. While you're trying

things out, try a couple of machines (sewing only, not combo

sewing-embroidery) over your price limit, just so you can see

what the difference in stitch quality and ease of use might be.

You may find you want to go for the used Cadillac. Or you might

want the new basic Chevy. Might as well try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano's The Sewing Machine Book

(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles' Fine Machine Sewing

(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg

Hazen's Owner's Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting

Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public

library.

Used brands I'd particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,

Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I'd probably pick: Janome (who also does

Kenmore).